🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Yamaha

Model:

TDM 850

Model Code:

4TX, 3VD

Year:

1996

Generation Identifier:

Mk1 (3VD)

Vin Code:

Specific VIN prefixes vary by region, typically starting with 'JY' followed by model year and manufacturing country codes.

👋 Introduction

Motorcycle Segment:

Sport Touring / Adventure Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Riders seeking versatility for commuting, touring, and light off-road use.

Key Competitors 1996:

Honda Transalp, Suzuki V-Strom (though V-Strom launched later, it occupied a similar niche), Kawasaki KLR650, BMW F650.

Engine Configuration:

Parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 5-valve per cylinder.

Frame Type:

Trellis frame, aluminium construction.

Suspension Design:

Long-travel conventional telescopic front forks and a Monocross rear suspension system.

Wheel Size Front:

18-inch

Wheel Size Rear:

17-inch

Fuel Capacity:

19 Liters (approx. 5.0 US gallons)

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Estimated Page Count:

300-400 pages (estimated, actual may vary based on specific edition)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection/carburetion (depending on specific market variant).

Transmission:

Gearbox operation, clutch service, gear inspection, lubrication, troubleshooting.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front forks (including internal components, seals, oil), rear shock absorber, linkage, steering head bearings, swingarm.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system overhaul, caliper service, master cylinder, brake lines, fluid replacement, adjustment, troubleshooting (ABS may be covered if applicable to the specific model variant).

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, ignition system, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, starter system, battery maintenance, fuses, relays, diagnostic procedures.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, carburetor(s) (or EFI components), fuel lines, troubleshooting.

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat, fan, coolant type and capacity, bleeding procedures.

Exhaust System:

Muffler, header pipes, gaskets, inspection, replacement.

Bodywork And Frame:

Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank removal, frame inspection, minor bodywork repair procedures.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment, brake pad inspection/replacement, tire pressure checks, lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, common problems and their solutions for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems.

Engine Overhaul:

Top-end rebuild (cylinder head, valves, pistons), bottom-end rebuild (crankshaft, connecting rods), sealing procedures, torque specifications.

Suspension Service:

Fork seal replacement, fork oil level and viscosity, rear shock absorber service, linkage bearing maintenance.

Brake System Maintenance:

Brake fluid flush and replacement, caliper piston cleaning and lubrication, master cylinder overhaul.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Testing of ignition coil, stator, regulator/rectifier, starter motor, battery charging system.

Carburetor Service:

Disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, synchronization, jetting information (if applicable).

Wheel And Tire Service:

Tire changing, wheel balancing, spoke tensioning (if applicable), bearing checks.

Wiring Diagram Interpretation:

Detailed electrical schematics with component identification and color coding.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive Professional-Level Repair and Maintenance

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced fault finding and repair procedures, including specific electrical resistance and voltage checks.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine, transmission, and suspension component rebuilds.

Specification Reference:

Includes critical torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and performance specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital (PDF)

Searchable:

Yes (typically OCR processed for text search)

Printable:

Yes

Image Clarity:

High-resolution diagrams and photographs

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, parallel-twin

Displacement:

849 cc (51.8 cu. in.)

Bore X Stroke:

92.0 mm x 64.0 mm (3.62 in x 2.52 in)

Compression Ratio:

9.2:1

Horsepower:

Approx. 77.5 HP @ 7,000 RPM (claimed at crankshaft)

Torque:

Approx. 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) @ 6,000 RPM (claimed at crankshaft)

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetor(s) - Twin Mikuni BST36 (Note: some later models/markets may have introduced fuel injection, but the 1996 model typically features carburetors).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane (RON+MON)/2

Valve Train:

DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder

Cooling Method:

Liquid-cooled

Oil Capacity:

2.5 Liters (2.6 US qt) with filter change

Oil Type:

SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher, JASO MA certified motorcycle oil

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Constant mesh, 5-speed

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate, cable-actuated

Final Drive:

O-ring sealed chain drive

Transmission Oil Type:

API GL-4 SAE 80W or 90W gear oil (check manual for specific viscosity recommendation)

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.7 Liters (0.74 US qt)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,155 mm (84.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 790 mm (31.1 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,250 mm (49.2 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,455 mm (57.3 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 191 kg (421 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 203 kg (447 lbs) (with fluids)

Max Load Capacity:

Refer to owner's manual for specific rider and luggage weight limits.

Front Suspension Travel:

Approx. 150 mm (5.9 in)

Rear Suspension Travel:

Approx. 130 mm (5.1 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Motorcycle safety is primarily assessed through rider skill and adherence to road regulations. Specific crash test ratings are not typically assigned to motorcycles in the same way as automobiles.

Braking System:

Dual front disc brakes with dual-piston calipers, single rear disc brake with dual-piston caliper. (ABS was not standard on most 1996 TDM 850 models).

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, taillight, and turn signals.

Frame Integrity:

Strong aluminium trellis frame designed for stability and handling.

Rider Positioning:

Upright riding position conducive to rider comfort and control.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (Basic instrumentation typical for the era).

Instrument Cluster:

Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, oil pressure warning light, high beam indicator, turn signal indicators.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 4,000 - 6,000 km (2,500 - 3,700 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Check And Clean:

Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles), replace as needed.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 12,000 - 16,000 km (7,500 - 10,000 miles).

Chain Lubrication And Adjustment:

Every 1,000 km (600 miles) or after riding in wet conditions.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 16,000 - 24,000 km (10,000 - 15,000 miles).

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Every 2 years or as recommended by manufacturer.

Engine Oil Grade:

SAE 10W-40, API SG or higher, JASO MA

Coolant Type:

Permanent type antifreeze coolant (ethylene glycol based), 50% mixture with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Common Wear Items:

Fork seals, steering head bearings, clutch plates, wheel bearings, exhaust system gaskets.

Electrical Gremlins:

Potential for aging wiring harness issues, regulator/rectifier failure (common across many bikes of this era), and stator winding degradation.

Engine Specific:

While generally robust, some engines may experience oil consumption with high mileage. Carburetor synchronization can become an issue over time, affecting smooth running.

Suspension Performance:

Original fork springs and dampers can feel soft by modern standards; fork oil may degrade, affecting damping.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Heritage:

Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd. is a Japanese manufacturer with a long history of producing motorcycles, musical instruments, and other powered products, renowned for innovation and performance.

Tdm Series Introduction:

The TDM series was introduced in the early 1990s, blending the characteristics of a sportbike with an adventure-touring motorcycle.

Tdm 850 Mk1:

The first generation TDM 850 (Mk1, often designated 3VD) debuted in 1991. The 1996 model represents a refinement of this initial design, often featuring updated styling and minor mechanical tweaks depending on the market. The Mk2 generation (4TX) would follow later with significant chassis and engine revisions.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (primary)

Production Period:

1991-2001 (for TDM 850 series globally, before being succeeded by the TDM900).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 1996 TDM 850 are not widely documented as distinct accolades, the model was recognized for its innovative 'supermoto' inspired styling and versatile performance, contributing to the popularity of the sport-touring segment. It was lauded for its comfortable riding position and capable handling.